If you are flying from elsewhere in New Zealand or overseas, then there are plenty of rental car agencies operating at both Nelson and Christchurch airports. Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more. If outdoor adventures are what youre looking for, Nelson Lakes is the place for you. so do adults. In damper places in early summer, yellow buttercups, white daisies and a host of tiny specialised plants flourish in the brief growing season. The huts are generally not staffed, although some are at peak times (e.g. A beautiful spot for WILD camping is JUST below the south face of Mt Travers. In addition to the abundance of flowing freshwater sources (i.e. If you dont think you have time for this side trip, then we suggest making time! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The lake is located deep in the backcountry and it takes a minimum of two days backcountry tramping to visit it. These mostly skirt the pebbled beaches of the lake, passing through damp native forest. Soon cottages were being built at Rotoiti and people began to explore the mountains. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Getting there, though, will take some work. WebSee all things to do. Outside of the peak summer months this is a winter crossing that should only be attempted by those equipped for snow travel (i.e. The best time to visit Nelson Lakes National Park is during the peak summer months. Some of New Zealands most epic alpine scenery. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. If you are completing the Travers-Sabine Circuit, then you will pass several junctions with side-trails leading up to Angelus Hut. Nelson Lakes Shuttles provide services between Nelson and St Arnaud. WebBlue Lake See all things to do Blue Lake 5 1 review #47 of 58 things to do in Nelson Bodies of Water Write a review What people are saying By Evelyn Stunning view Aug 2018 The South Islands scenery is famously beautiful. If you dont have enough people to fill the van, then you can check their existing trips page it lists all the scheduled trips for the upcoming week, so you can see if you can jump onboard with someone else already heading in that direction (but when I browsed that page, St Arnaud appears less common than other destinations in the region!). WebGet to Blue Lake from anywhere in the world by train, bus, car and more. Nelson National Park in the northern part of the South Island has become a popular place for fishing and recreation. The Great Walks are a group of ten hikes covering some of the most beautiful regions of New Zealand with well maintained huts and easily navigable trails. This is about a 75-minutes drive from the city of Nelson. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Brochures Arguably, these campsites are nicer than staying at Coldwater Hut or Lakeside Hut, since both of those huts are prone to wasps and their toilets are pretty dire too. Make sure all your gear is completely dry for 48 hours before swimming or taking water from Rotomaninitua/Lake Angelus or other alpine tarns. Angelus Hut is an alpine hut perched high on the Mt Roberts mountain range. Travers Falls are something very special. and it's not a pond! Don't leave any valuables in your vehicle. The 10 Most Beautiful Lakes in New Zealand, 11 Best Things to Do in Nelson, New Zealand, The 12 Best Places to Go Camping in New Zealand, Abel Tasman National Park: The Complete Guide, Paparoa National Park: The Complete Guide, 15 "Lord of the Rings" Filming Locations You Can Visit in Real Life, Top 10 Places to Go Hiking in New Zealand, Kahurangi National Park: The Complete Guide, The Top 15 Things to Do on New Zealand's South Island, The Top 10 Things to Do in Westport, New Zealand, The Ultimate Guide to New Zealand's West Coast, The Complete Guide to Whitewater Rafting in New Zealand, The 10 Best Hikes in Fiordland National Park. If outdoor adventures are what youre looking for, Nelson Lakes is the place for you. To access the lake the shortest way, take the water taxi from Lake Rotoroa Jetty to Sabine Hut. Bodies of Water. This walk is designed for people with intermediate fitness levels and are comfortable walking on un-groomed tracks for extended periods of time. Several companies offer on-demand transport to Rotoroa from St Arnaud and Nelson. You cant really tell how beautiful the lake is from a picture until you are actually standing there by the shore. Blue Lake claimed to have the clearest freshwater in the world is quite surreal, with colours that dance magically in the sunlight. WebParks & recreation Places to go Nelson/Tasman Nelson Lakes National Park Nelson Lakes National Park Located in the Nelson/Tasman region View saved (0) Nelson Lakes National Park is situated in the north of New Zealand's South Island. Winter wonderland might be a surprising phrase to associate with Nelson Tasman but thats what youll find just over an hours drive south from Nelson in the village of St Arnaud. We describe these separately in the next section. The view are stunning. Own or manage this property? The park has many lakes, the largest of which are Rotoiti and Rotoroa. the huts book out long in advance, especially on the most popular ones). If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. By the turn of the century people were holidaying on the shores of the lake and a hotel was built at Rotoroa. The gateway to the park is St Arnaud, a 1-2 hour drive from Nelson or Blenheim. If you wish to wild camp along the Travers-Sabine Circuit, then a few suggested spots are: Travers Saddle: If you have a good quality tent that can withstand severe winds, then if the weather allows consider camping on the saddle. However, the New Zealand Great Walks are extremely popular and therefore they can be expensive, crowded, or hard to get access permits for (i.e. Recommended option Fly from Nelson Fly from Nelson (NSN) to Arcata/Eureka (ACV) 20h 6m $616 - $1,684 1 alternative option Bus to Blenheim, fly The height of the lake above sea level is 1200 m. The water of the Blue Lake is always cold, within 5-8 C. Keywords: Nature | Water | Lake | New zealand | Natural wonders | Australia and new zealand | Beautiful places. Its then a mere 5 hour walk to Sabine Hut West. If you would prefer to save an hour or so of road walking, then consider starting your hike at either Mt Robert Carpark (at the top of Mt Robert Road, approximately 15 minutes drive from St Arnaud township on a partially unsealed road) or from the Lakeside Track Carpark (about halfway up Mt Robert Road, approximately 10 minutes drive from St Arnaud township on a partially unsealed road). In-depth reviews of the best lightweight backpacking gear, and comprehensive guides to the worlds most amazing trail hiking destinations. Avalanche information for Nelson Lakes National Park. Make sure you always close the hut doors behind you. Locations View suggestions on Google Maps. Personal watercraft (jet skis) and hovercraft are not allowed on the lakes and rivers. I am drawn to unique natural wonders. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. In absolutely no way do these affiliate programs influence our recommendations we value and respect our readers, and our reputation which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased reviews. Turn off SH6 at Gowanbridge, just a 20-minute drive from Murchison. To access the lake the shortest way, take the water taxi from Lake Rotoroa Jetty to Sabine Hut. Find quality accommodation and discover the best things to do and see. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. Instead, they operate on a first-come first-served basis. Blue Lake Hut is a typical New Zealand backcountry hut, but it is also one of the busiest in Nelson Lakes National Park. The gateway to the park is St Arnaud, a 1-2 hour drive from Nelson or Blenheim. WebThe best way to explore the world-renowned Blue Lake in the heart of the Nelson Lakes National Park is to take our four-day Blue Lake guided walk. Blue Lake is without a doubt worth the effort it takes to get there. Boat crashes into Lake of the Ozarks home, injuring 8 which is also referred to as blue-green algae. On a preliminary tramping visit to Blue Lake in March 2009, the two Robs were surprised to find that the visibility of Blue Lake exceeded that of Te Waikoropupu. This is the best option if you want shorter days and lighter packs. The carparks outside the township are relatively isolated, and therefore occasional thefts do occur (although they are relatively rare!). Mountain bikes are only permitted on formed roads in the national park. We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Its then a mere 5 hour walk to Sabine Hut West. In general, you should be fine to drink untreated water from the hut rain water tanks and most of the alpine streams and rivers in Nelson Lakes National Park. from Upper Travers Hut), you will cross a small creek about 30 minutes before reaching the top of the saddle this will be the last water source until you reach the river in the Sabine Valley on the other side (about 2 hours walking from the top of the saddle). The claimed visibility of the water in Blue Lake is as high as 80 metres, making it only a few metres shy of the theoretical visibility of distilled water at 83 metres. Check out ourGear Reviewsoverview page. Alternatively, you can reach St. Arnaud from the town of Murchison, a drive of about 45 minutes. Diminutive rock wren and cheeky kea visit the higher areas. Nonetheless, if you are allergic to wasp stings, then be sure to bring antihistamines and/or appropriate medication. WebThe best way to explore the world-renowned Blue Lake in the heart of the Nelson Lakes National Park is to take our four-day Blue Lake guided walk. This location makes a reasonable first night camp if you are doing the Travers-Sabine Circuit clockwise and start walking in the afternoon. Find quality accommodation and discover the best things to do and see. Combined with a side trip to Blue Lake & Lake Constance, this circuit is one of the most stunning multi-day hikes in New Zealand. Blue Lake. WebCoordinates: 42330.6S 1723925.6E Rotomairewhenua / Blue Lake is a small lake in Nelson Lakes National Park, in the northern reaches of New Zealand 's Southern Alps. WebCoordinates: 42330.6S 1723925.6E Rotomairewhenua / Blue Lake is a small lake in Nelson Lakes National Park, in the northern reaches of New Zealand 's Southern Alps. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. As the lake is deep in the park, you cant access it by car or on a day trip. Boat crashes into Lake of the Ozarks home, injuring 8 which is also referred to as blue-green algae. more. There's an extensive range of accommodation in Nelson, while in Murchison, there's a riverside campground with simple cabins, as well as backpacker hostels. WebGet to Blue Lake from anywhere in the world by train, bus, car and more. Get inspired by checking out our: Find a jaw-dropping location for your next wilderness adventure by checking out our epicDestination Guides! The only exception was the Danish ecologist and photojournalist Klaus Timann, who was granted an exclusive permit to shoot and study the lake. In peak summer, from late November to 30 April, bookings are required for Angelus Hut and the Angelus Hut campsite. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Disclosure: Ultimate Gear Lists participates in affiliate marketing programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Approaching Travers Saddle from the eastern side (i.e. A number of operators provide shuttle services, including scheduled services and/or on request. Today these troughs are filled by Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa, which give the park its name. Lake Rotoroa is also accessible from Murchison. They also provide shuttles from Nelson or St Arnaud to other trails in the Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast regions (e.g. Our preferred approach is a SteriPEN Adventurer Opti. In any case, the money is all going to a good cause (maintaining the huts and the New Zealand backcountry!). The South Islands scenery is famously beautiful. Turn right on US 90, go 1- miles and turn left on FL 189 at To Baker sign. Many thru-hikers completing the long-distance Te Araroa Trail which covers the full length of New Zealand say that this is one of the best views they encounter. However, with the long-distance Te Araroa Trail now passing through Nelson Lakes and with Blue Lake seeing increasing fame and popularity, some of the huts (particularly Blue Lake Hut, West Sabine Hut, and huts in the Travers Valley) are getting increasingly busy. WebCheck out this 4.5-mile point-to-point trail near Saint Arnaud, Nelson-Tasman. The obvious exceptions are on the high alpine passes and mountain ranges, where you may need to carry sufficient water. There are also observation decks and, if desired, you can book helicopter flights to admire the natural beauty from a bird's-eye view. WebBlue Lake See all things to do Blue Lake 5 1 review #47 of 58 things to do in Nelson Bodies of Water Write a review What people are saying By Evelyn Stunning view Aug 2018 The South Islands scenery is famously beautiful. In a study conducted in 2011, researchers of the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) have found that the lake has extreme visual clarity of up to 80 meters, which is considered almost as "optically clear" as distilled water. Blue Lake (Rotomairewhenua in Mori) is a small fresh water lake in Nelson Lakes National Park, in the northern reaches of New Zealand's Southern Alps. Blue Lake. I wonder why it doesn't have any single fish ? We have lots more practical suggestions for travel in New Zealand, Copyright 2023 Travel Off The Beaten Path | Travel Obscure | Privacy Policy. Beautiful. Phone the Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre for more information. Always check the latest information about facilities, tracks and local weather conditions. However, it is generally recommended to travel clockwise, since this makes the ascent up to Travers Saddle a little gentler. The elevation gain is not insignificant, at 645 metres total. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 24 min to complete. The Blue Lake became known from the local tribe after the opening of the park in 1956. Mattresses are supplied in the huts, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow (if you so desire such luxuries). 93% of travellers recommend this experience. The ascent of the pass from Upper Travers Hut is relatively quick, but the descent from there to West Sabine Hut is relentlessly steep and somewhat endless. From Blue Lake Hut, neighbouring Lake Constance is about 45 minutes walk south, just up the moraine wall. It is also worth noting that New Zealands new long distance trail, the Te Araroa trail, also passes through this region. The hike up the West Branch Sabine River to Blue Lake is epic! In this area, birds, including reintroduced great spotted kiwi, thrive but outside you can still enjoy the friendly robin that ventures close, alert to any insects stirred by your passing. You cant really tell how beautiful the lake is from a picture until you are actually standing there by the shore. The purity of this water makes for some amazing and spectacular colours in the sunlight. Each of the huts will have mattresses, a rain water tank, some form of bush toilet (bring your own toilet paper), and space for cooking indoors. Unless you're on a guided tour, you're better off with your own vehicle, as there are few bus services to the park. Also, if you head to Angelus Hut from Mt Robert Carpark (along the Robert Ridge Route) there arent any reliable water sources so youll need to carry sufficient water for the day. There are clearings outside each hut for camping. The northern end of New Zealand's South Island is such a naturally beautiful part of the country that many visitors overlook the Nelson Lakes National Park in favor of the nearby Abel Tasman or Kahurangi National Parks. They will take any opportunity they can to get into your food, including coming into the hut. water, toilets, and the hut for cooking if need be). You cant really tell how beautiful the lake is from a picture until you are actually standing there by the shore. Nelson-based NIWA hydrologist Rob Merrilees first recognised that Blue Lake might be optically outstanding, having observed on tramping trips that this water body appeared broadly similar to Te Waikoropupu. 5. Make sure to get a good nights rest, as the next day is a steep one, over the Travers Pass to West Sabine Hut. WebTo visit Blue Lake, you need to go to the Nelson Lakes National Park. There is parking available in the township of St Arnaud, or alternatively at each of the potential trailheads (Lake Rotoiti Carpark, Mt Robert Carpark, or Lakeside Track Carpark about halfway up Mt Robert Road). The long hike on day two meant that day three was a relaxed affair, and we had a lie in and a whole morning by the lake before pottering the three hours or so back to West Sabine Hut for our final night. Cross railroad tracks. Ferns and mosses proliferate on the forest floor where light is subdued and dampness clings. If you prefer sleeping out under the stars, then that is also possible! Note that outside of the peak summer season, Angelus Hut operates on the usual backcountry hut ticket system, as described for all other huts below. Nelsons Blue Lake is tucked deep within the backcountry. Write a review. Unfortunately, any unspent tickets cant be refunded, so you need to just make an educated guess at how many you will need. back to Sabine Hut for the water taxi back to Rotoroa village. WebLake Rotomairewhenua (also known as Blue Lake) has been officially named the clearest lake in the world, and is nestled amongst the stunning forests of the national park. If you are up for a big adventure, the Nelson Lakes National Park is one of the best places in the country for multi-day treks. Take one of the many walks through the project and you'll see and hear the results of this work; a forest alive with the sights and sounds of birds. "So Blue Lake is a close approach to optically pure water". Boat crashes into Lake of the Ozarks home, injuring 8 which is also referred to as blue-green algae. Nonetheless, it is still perfectly safe to visit the lower elevations of Nelson Lakes National Park. Nelson Lakes National The forests are mainly comprised of beech trees, with mosses and ferns nearer the forest floor. No BS, ever. WebBlue Lake See all things to do Blue Lake 5 1 review #47 of 58 things to do in Nelson Bodies of Water Write a review What people are saying By Evelyn Stunning view Aug 2018 The South Islands scenery is famously beautiful. WebHome | Blue Lake Nelson the cleanest in the world Blue Lake Nelson the cleanest in the world Categories: Nature | Water By Pictolic Blue Lake (Rotomairewhenua in the Maori language) is a small freshwater lake located in the Nelson Lakes National Park, in the Southern Alps of New Zealand.